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Upcoming Hospital Outpatient Appointment

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cabbage12
cabbage12

Hi everyone

In two weeks I have my gynecology appointment. This is my second referral to gyni and I am hoping it goes better than the last. I am more nervous this time than last as I know what is going to happen and because of how disappointed I was the last time when I was fobbed off and came out crying. I have a different doctor this time (an associated specialist rather than consultant what ever that is) at my local NHS hospital, so I'm hoping a new set of eyes will help. I have been keeping a pain diary of my daily pain and have lost over 2 stone since Christmas so hopefully this will all be in my favor and help me get closer to a diagnosis and a laparscopy. I trying not to keep my hopes to high but i feel like this is my only hope. Its been 3 years since the pain started and I see no end in its sights.

Is there anything else I could do to help me be better prepared for my appointment or that could get me closer to a diagnosis?

Any tips on managing nerves? Especially when in the appointment as my nerves normally makes me forget what i want to say.

I have managed to get the day off placement and I am going myself.

Thanks in Advance

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • aitarg35939
    aitarg35939 cabbage12

    Posted

    Hi Cabbage12

    It's good that you've got another appointment. Molly's suggestion that you write down your questions is a great one. I find it helpful to leave space for answers & use a different color of ink for those than for the questions. Sometimes I drop them off early or give them todoc to look at as soon as he walks in, but the former might not work in this case and I've only done the latter with docs I knew quite well. Some will hold onto the paper - not being unkind , trying to get thru all Qs - so you need a second paper for you.

    Is there someone you can take along, friend or relative? Some boyfriends/girlfriends are even willing to go, knowing that you'll be draped but wanting to support you & hold your hand. (This kind of guy/gal shows signs of being a keeper)

    Alternatively, now is the time to practice deep slow breathing. If you find yourself getting flustered with the doc, ask for 30 secs to center yourself. If refused, look doc in the eye and say "Fine, then answer my question: when is the laparoscopy to confirm/rule out endometriosis, because you & I both know that's the only sure way to know" ONLY use this phrasing if doc is a jerk.

    There's nothing wrong with complete honesty from the getgo, either. "Do I have endometriosis? Will you do the laparoscopy? I need to know what's causing all this pain so that we can fix it."

    Be sure to use your deep breathing during the exam. Doc isn't trying to cause or worsen pain but probably will.

    You'll be in my prayers.

    • aitarg35939
      aitarg35939

      Posted

      Oops autocorrect strikes again: I typed Holly but machine thought I was wrong. Sorry Holly,
    • holly72816
      holly72816 aitarg35939

      Posted

      Its okay I totally understand. Thanks tho. Auto correct does it to me too. Lol
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